Horticulture Assistant I

Essential Functions:

Compliance

Assure that all student environments are in compliance with minimum standards

Maintain student safety guidelines

Assure that students are free from neglect and abuse

Report allegations of neglect and abuse to TDFPS and/or Executive Director or his designee

Maintain student confidentiality

Assure that all students are properly supervised and cared for according to BAC Policy

Adhere to employee rules and company policy

Report concerns to a supervisor

Relay information to supervisor and / or appropriate staff

Follow through with supervisor requests / assignments

Ensure that BAC is a harassment-free work place

Maintain educational atmosphere

Horticulture Therapy

Serve as assistant to the Horticulturist

Care for greenhouse and school grounds (i.e. watering, weeding, harvesting, etc.) in the absence of the Horticulturist

Care for residential grounds (i.e. watering, weeding, harvesting, etc.) in the absence of the Horticulturist

Develop and maintain on-site gardens in conjunction with the Horticulturist

Implement planting calendar with necessary maintenance timelines with plants to be used for landscaping and for sale

Implement watering schedule(s)

Attitude

Work cooperatively as a team member

Display positive work attitude

Support all areas of the program (Educational Program, Recreation, Animal Care, etc.)

Demonstrate professionalism

Treat staff and coworkers with respect

Promote positive image of BAC while in the community and dealing with community

Refrain from allowing personal opinions or biases to interfere with student progress

Model appropriate social behavior to students

Treatment of Students:

Treat students with kindness, dignity, and respect

Implementation of Personal Knowledge and Skills

Implement training and put into functional practice in all settings

General

Comply with attendance requirements

Perform job requirements without requiring excessive supervision

Refrain from pursuing personal activities while on duty or allowing personal issues to interfere with work

Take initiative/self starter in carrying out job duties

Exhibit good time management skills

Submit all purchase receipts and records from of use of funds

Safety

Demonstrate appropriate use and handling of tools and equipment

Perform maintenance and job duties within the scope of personal training and certification (i.e. spraying chemicals only with appropriate certification)

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Notify supervisor of need for additional or replacement PPE

Maintain safety guidelines in work area cordoning off area(s) as appropriate

Demonstrate appropriate use of chemicals

Ensure that hazardous material and / or chemicals are disposed of according to Hazmat and OSHA regulations

Ensure complete clean-up from repairs and maintenance (i.e. sweeping sidewalks or picking up debris)

Ensure that maintenance tools and equipment are in good repair and operating order

Ensure proper storage of tools and equipment when not in use preventing client access

Complete Equipment Use Logs to check out and return materials

Complete Daily Activity Logs as outlined in policies

Demonstrate knowledge of licensing standards from all governing agencies related to maintenance of the physical plant

Monitor and perform basic pest control to ensure grounds are pest-free and client safe (i.e. treat ant beds, snakes, rats, etc.)

Personnel File

Maintain continuing education as appropriate including licenses, certification and training hours

Keep personnel folder in compliance

Other

Any other assigned duties as outlined by Program Director or Executive Director

Personal Attributes:

1. Ability to lift fifty pounds. Must also stand, walk, squat, bend lift, and carry for

extended periods of time.

2. Have good physical endurance

3. Possess the ability to use good judgment in crisis situations

4. Demonstrate good verbal skills

5. Demonstrate the ability to work in special education environment

6. Demonstrate the ability to work well with others

7. Possess the ability to be flexible in task assignment

8. Have the ability to multi-task

9. Recognize safe and unsafe conditions

Working Conditions:

• Working in head-house, residential campus, greenhouse and outdoor settings as activity dictates and as scheduled by supervisor
• With students throughout the day
• Students exhibit aggressive behavior
• Tobacco-free / smoke-free environment
• Drug and alcohol-free work environment

Risks:

• Injuries related to equipment use
• Injuries related to lifting
• Exposure to the elements
• Sun exposure
• Exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials
• Exposure to open wounds
• Risk of physical aggression, including human bites, by a clientstudent
• Exposure to body fluids
• Risk of injury from animals
• Contagious diseases

Protective Equipment:

Access to: Must Adhere to Dress Code for Safety (see policies for

further details):

• Gloves
• Goggles Must Wear:
• Masks Closed Shoes (toe and heel)
• Respirators Appropriate clothing based on activity or machinery being
• Spill Kit (apron, goggles) used
• Mouth Barrier
• Back Support for lifting
• Sunscreen

Job Skills / Requirements:

A. Education:

Minimum High School Diploma / GED

1. Certification:

CPR

First Aid

C. Training:

As outlined on Training Calendar

D. Other Requirements:

1. Must pass Criminal History Check

2. Must pass Drug and Alcohol Testing (initial and on-going)